Thorntons - Chocolate Heaven Since 1911 Chocolate Heaven Since 1911 September 2, 2011 The title is one of the advertising slogans of Thorntons, a household name in UK for chocolate retailing. The company was established in 1911 by Joseph William Thornton who eventually turned the business over to his sons, Norman and Stanley Thornton. Since then, it has always been Britain’s go-to store when it comes to high-quality chocolates. This year, it celebrates its Centenary birthday. And what better way to celebrate their 100th birthday than sharing it with their customers? The first ever Thortons chocolate shop was opened in Sheffield in the year 1911 and it was called the Chocolate Kabin where you are magically transported into a chocolate heaven as you step inside the store. Today, as a Centenary birthday treat, Thorntons wants to give their customers a chance to experience such delight. They excitedly bring you the recreated Thorntons Chocolate Kabin where a Golden Key to the chocolate factory is hidden. And the lucky winner gets to be Willy Wonka for a day! Isn’t that such a sweet treat?

Go and grab the chance to experience the chocolate lucky dip, or see chocolates come plummeting down a truck directly to a super duper chocolate scooper, where you can also have yourself a chocolaty treat. As you leave the delightful and almost enchanted Kabin, you can give donations to the Live Mechanical Chocolatier in exchange for chocolates. Such donations will be going to the NSPCC, Thorntons charity of the year. One lucky customer who finds the Golden Key from each place the Chocolate Kabin visits will get a chance to see behind-the-scenes at Thorntons and visit their chocolate factory to take a look at how they have been manufacturing their chocolates for the past 100 years. You don’t get to experience this everyday, so for our readers in the U.K., try your luck and let us know how it goes! The Thorntons Chocolate Kabin will be visiting: Covent Garden, London on Friday 2nd September Liverpool One Shopping Centre on Saturday 10th September Nottingham off Market Square on Saturday 17th September Edinburgh Castle Street on Saturday 24th September Sheffield Fargate on Saturday 1st October For more info visit Thorntons Centenary website .

You can also find your local Thornton's store or buy chocolates online when you click here . Thorntons (Shop) - Review - Chocolate Heaven Since 1911 Chocolate Heaven Since 1911 Delicious Chocolates, Toffees, and Fudge / Loads of Variety Disadvantages: 33 Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful See ratings exceptional by (16%): The overall rating of a review is different from a simple average of all individual ratings. Share this review on I'll never forget the old advert for Thorntons "Chocolate Heaven since 1911", and it is Chocolate heaven. I have to say all my Favourite Chocolates come from Thorntons they are delicious. Everyone loves Thorntons, well at least everyone I know does. So why have I decided to write about such a well know store. Well I've been shopping there a lot recently and have really enjoyed it. ------------- The stores ------------- The Thorntons stores are quite standard in their layout. You walk through the door and feast your eyes on row upon row of Chocolates. Each area is dedicated to a different range of chocolates.

There is also the Ice Cream counter where in summer you can indulge in a delicious Thorntons Ice Cream. Then there is the counter where you pay, it is glass fronted displaying, individual chocolates that you can choose from and make your own selection. I think this is fantastic, I mean how many people buy or get given a box of choccies and actually like everyone in the box. The stores are Inviting and smell delicious, the chocolates are well displayed, making it easy to see what is available. The staff are friendly and really helpful, shopping here is an enjoyable experience. ------------------- Food Labelling ------------------- This is one of the areas where I believe that Thorntons go that extra mile. They're products are well labelled. I myself cannot eat Gluten, but I can go into Thorntons and buy a bag or box of chocolates and know its ok for me to eat them all. Why? Because their products are well labelled. On the back each of the boxes or bags, is a box showing the suitability, e.g. Gluten Free, vegetarian, nuts even alcohol free; as well as a long with a full list of ingredients. I believe that Thorntons are very responsible in that respect.

If your unsure about an item check with the shop assistant, they are extremely willing to help. If they don't know the answer there is also a file that they have behind the counter that lists all the products they sell, that they consult. I know this because one I tem that I wanted did not have the suitability on the back and within a couple of seconds they had the answer and yes I could have it. --------- Ranges --------- A little bit of a taster of whats available from your local Thorntons, Hopefully get your mouth watering a bit. As well are these ranges, there are a wide variety of Easter Eggs available at easter, you can have your own personal message iced onto these eggs free of Charge. There are also other items available throughout the year that you can have your messaged iced onto. ☺Continental☺ Thorntons Continental were originally developed in 1953 by Swiss chocolatier, Walter Willen. There are a total of 29 chocolates in the continental range and are inspired by the recipes and flavours of Europe. Within the Continental Range you will find the following collections European Inspired Collection: Viennese truffle, Seville, Catalana, Apricot Parfait, Brandy Truffle.

Belgian Inspired Collection: Champagne Truffle, Vanilla Truffle, Hazelnut Noisette, Mouse au Chocolat, Cafï¿½ au Lait, Almondine. Italian Inspired Collection: Cappuccino, Caramel truffle, Sicilian Lemon Mouse, Tiramisu, Tartufo, Amaretto. Alpine Inspired Collection: Alpini, Chocolat Riche, Diplomat, Mortiz, Honey Nougat, Strudel. Truffles Collection: Honey Nougat Truffle, Brandy Truffle, Espresso Truffle, Dulche de Leche, Viennese Truffle, Champagne Truffle. White Collection: Champagne Collection, Cappuccino, Sicilian Lemon Mouse, Moritz, Chocolat Blanc, Vanilla Truffle. Dark Collection: Espresso, Apricot parfait, Dark Champagne Truffle, Tartufo, Dark Vanilla Truffle, Chocolat Noir Truffle. I haven't eaten any of these since becoming Gluten free, but before my favourites were the Champagne Truffle and the Mouse au Chocolat. ☺Classics☺ Thorntons Classics are for those who prefer traditional Chocolates, the following chocolates can be found in the classic range.

Almond Marzipan, Apricot & Almond Marzipan, Brazil Nut, Cherry Marzipan, Coconut Pleasure, Creamy Coffee Truffle, Country Caramel, Dark Chocolate Gingers, Fudge, Hazelnut Nougat, Lemon Parfait, Strawberry Velvet, Toffee Truffle, Walnut Marzipan, Turkish Delight, Hazelnut Praline, Dark & milk Chocolate Classic, Dark & Milk Chocolate Dream. My favourites were, Fudge and Strawberry Velvet. ☺Diabetic☺ A special range of chocolates specially produced for people with diabetes. Assortment Box & Bag, Caramel Crï¿½mes, Mint Crï¿½mes, Milk Chocolate Bar, Brazil Nut Toffee Bag, Vanilla Toffee Box & Bag, Fruit Drops, Dark Chocolate Bar, Turkish Delight Bar, Vanilla Fudge Bar. ☺Eden☺ This is a newish range from Thornton's and is supposed to be all about seduction. Original Sin, Lust, Desire, Passion, Temptation, Obsession, Seduction. ☺Fudge☺ My all time favorites, Thorntons have been making Fudge for more than 50 years and I must say their fudge is the best.

The delicious cubes of Fudge come in following flavours. Vanilla, Chocolate, Rum & raisin, Cherry & Almond, Butter Tablet, Assorted. Form the best has to be the Chocolate Fudge, you can't beat it. ☺Toffee☺ Stanley Thornton's special Toffee first appeared in Thorntons Shops in 1925 and it is still cooked using traditional Copper Pans. You haven't tasted Toffee until you've tasted Thorntons special Toffee. It is delicious and comes in different varieties. Original, Milk Chocolate smoothered, Treacle, Assorted, Liquorice, Brazil Nut, Mint, Pecan & Maple, Fruit & nut, Banana Flavour Special Toffee. I have an open packet of the Original at the moment but it won't last much longer. ☺Children's Range☺ Lots of chocolates made especially for children, everything that would appeal to a child. ☺Origins☺ Hazelnut Ganache, Caramande, Madagascar, Kirsch Walnut Marzipan, Cognac Truffle, Bitter Chocolate Ganache, Coffee Plantation, Spice Islands, and Various chocolate Thins.

☺Dessert Gallery☺ These are Dessert Centers in milk, white and dark chocolate shells, the recipes were created by Thorntons Master Chocolatier, Barry Colenso. Summer Fruit Pudding, Toffee Mouse, Crï¿½me Brulee, Kirsch Torte, Almond Torte, Double Chocolate Mouse, Lemon Meringue, and Tiramisu. Unfortunately these are not Gluten free so I have not been able to try them. ☺Mint Selection☺ Made with Dark Chocolate the Mint Selection is one of my favorites, in fact this is the Easter Egg I had this year absolutely delicious, The Mint Crï¿½mes are also available in a small bag and I have been buying these quite regularly now. ------ Price ------ The prices vary quite widely in Thorntons, a small bag of Toffee is usually around 99p and there a few children's items under ï¿½1. Where as a 620g Box of Continentals will set you back around ï¿½15, a lot more expensive than a box of Milk tray. --------------- My Opinion --------------- I love Thorntons, every chocolate you could ever what is available here.

The chocolates are delicious and the Store is inviting. Certain items e.g. the Fudge and the Toffee are available in small bags, a great thing to pick up if your want a little treat while your out shopping. The Boxed Chocolates maybe expensive but they make a great gift that most people love, or if you're a bit short of cash why not treat your special someone to a small bag of just their favourites. Go down to Thorntons today and treat yourself or a loved one, just remember to check the prices before you buy as some items are quite expensive. Note: Even though this is in the Offline shopping section, it giving me options for online shopping. Thorntons plc - Company Profile, Information, Business Description, History, Background Information on Thorntons plc Thorntons plc - Company Profile, Information, Business Description, History, Background Information on Thorntons plc Thornton Park United Kingdom Company Perspectives: Our current strategic intent is to remain the most popular confectionary shop in the High Street and Shopping Centres with a focus on high quality products and excellent customer service. History of Thorntons plc Thorntons plc is one of the United Kingdom's leading manufacturer and retailer of chocolate and other confectionery products.

Founded in 1911, the company remains more than 30 percent owned by the Thornton family. Yet the company's day-to-day operations are led by chief executive Peter Burdon, who joined the company in 2000. Thorntons' products, which focus on chocolates, fudge, and toffee but also include other candies, target the high-quality, high-end market. This commitment to quality has gained the company a strong reputation throughout the United Kingdom and made it one of the country's most popular brands. Most of Thorntons' sales come through its network of more than 500 retail shops--some 400 or which are directly owned by Thorntons, while the rest operate as franchises. The company's products are also available through such large-scale department store chains as Marks and Spencers. In 2001, the company also began rolling out a line of products to be sold through the supermarket channel. In addition to its retail shops, Thorntons operates a growing number of Thornton Cafes, which sell coffee and other desserts in addition to the company's chocolates. Many of these cafes are located within existing Thornton stores.

The company also began pilot testing selling fresh coffee and other beverages and snacks at its retail stores, a program begun in 2000. Despite steady sales gains, Thorntons has been struggling with its profitability since the late 1990s. The company's difficulties have seen its share price plunge from a high of nearly 300 pence in 1998 to as low as 85 pence at the turn of the century. This development has in turn sparked suggestions that the company may be a strong takeover candidate. A more likely scenario, given the company's proud history as an independent chocolate manufacturer, may be a management buyout of the company. In the meantime, the Thornton family remain present in the company's direction, with John Thornton, formerly CEO with the company, serving as its chairman. "In Chocolate Heaven Since 1911" Thornton's was established in 1911 when Joseph Thornton, who had been working as a traveling candy and confectionery salesman, opened his own shop in Sheffield. Joining Thornton to help run the store was his eldest son Norman, then only 14 years old.

The Thornton shop was a success, and in 1913 the family opened a second store. The new store included a kitchen where the family began making their own candies. By the time Joseph Thornton became ill in 1917, Norman Thornton had begun establishing a reputation for the Thornton name as a maker of quality sweets, while opening two more stores, plus a store selling fresh fruit, by the end of the decade. The younger Thornton took over the business's operations entirely after his father's death in 1919. Two years later, Thornton was joined by his younger brother, and together they began to expand the business, which was then incorporated as JW Thornton Ltd. The success of the Thorntons' chocolate and other confectionery products soon spread beyond Sheffield, and by the middle of the 1920s the family began to prepare to expand across the Midlands region. In 1927, the company opened its first full-fledged factory in Sheffield. The production from this facility, while still relatively small, enabled the company to supply a growing number of stores. By 1935, the company had opened 15 stores.

By the end of that decade, the company's retail network had expanded beyond the Midlands region and into the North of England, reaching a total of 35 stores. The end of World War II, and the resulting economic boom as England reconstructed throughout the 1950s, proved a profitable time for Thorntons. The Thornton brothers continued to lead the company and were now by the third generation of the Thornton family, including Michael Thornton, who joined in 1957 and remained active in the company's affairs until the end of the century. Thornton's chocolates and other confectionery goods became a favorite of the British sweet tooth. The company underwent a rapid expansion, and by the 1960s operated more than 200 stores, not only across the Midlands and Northern regions, but in Scotland as well. During the mid-1960s, the company added another family member, John Thornton, who was named managing director in 1982, then took on the roles of chief executive and chairman in 1987. The following year, the company went public, listing 25 percent of the company's share--with the rest held by the Thornton family--on the London exchange.

Over the next decade, the Thornton family continued to reduce its shareholding, which decreased to just 30 percent at the end of the 1990s. Meanwhile, expansion of the company's retail network had slowed somewhat, so that by the mid-1990s the company's operations had grown to 260 company-owned stores. At the same time, Thornton's began franchising its shops, which, although representing less than 10 percent of sales, allowed it to expand its retail network by more than 100 stores. Thorntons also began to expand beyond the United Kingdom, entering Belgium and France, where it built up a chain of some 21 stores. Struggling for Profits in the New Century In 1995, John Thornton retired from day-to-day management of the company, hiring Roger Paffard, formerly with the office supply retailer Staples. The company now exited the Belgium and French markets, where it had never successfully imported its retail formula. As a spokesman for the company itself described its inability to penetrate these markets, Thorntons "did not invest enough time and effort to understand the differences between the U.K.

and the French and Belgian markets." In 1996, the company sold off its Belgian subsidiary, Gartners-Pralines, to chocolatier Pauwels, then sold its 21 French stores to a rival retailer in that market, Jeff de Bruges. Instead, Paffard led Thorntons on a new expansion drive in the United Kingdom. In October 1996, the company announced its intention to step up its number of new stores, backed by a £30 million investment program, with the intention of opening 90 new stores by 2000. The following year, the company became still more ambitious, forecasting the opening of its 500th company-owned store by the year 2001. In order to reach this goal, the pace of new store openings went into overdrive. In March 1998, the company announced its intention to open as many as 100 Yet it soon became apparent that Thortons had overextended itself. The company first stumbled in 1999 during the crucial Easter season, when it ran out of stock--sending customers to its competitors.

By May 1999, the company was forced to make its first profit warning, admitting that: "We didn't have the right product range. We changed as little as possible because we were concentrating on improving other parts of the business, be we underestimated just how unforgiving our customers would be." The company's customers continued to withhold their forgiveness through the next year, despite the company's efforts to correct the previous year's mistakes. Thorntons now rolled out a range of novelty products--such as chocolate-scented tee shirts and body lotions. The company also pressed on with its new store openings, especially among its franchise network, hoping to open another 200 stores. Thorntons also began looking for new retail outlets, such as through the Internet, interactive television, and mail-order sales channels. Meanwhile, the rising popularity of coffee shops, such as Starbucks, inspired the company to begin developing its own coffee shops, most of which were to be located within its existing stores. None of these efforts was able to stop the company's profits slide.

Another Easter stock error--which saw the company forced to deep-discount some £1.4 million of unsold Easter eggs--forced the company to make its third profit warning in 18 months. The company's sagging profits continued to sink its share price, sparking fears that the company might offer itself up as a takeover target. At last, John Thornton asked Paffard to resign in March 2000. Watching the company's troubles was Peter Burdon, a former McKinsey consultant then working for the Boots retail chain. Burdon told the Daily Telegraph: "For the past 10 years it has been my ambition to run a medium-sized food company. When I read about (Paffard's) departure I immediately thought 'this is my job.' I wrote to John Thornton saying these are the issues your firm is facing, this is me, and suggesting we got together for a chat." Burdon was hired two months later. Burdon immediately began implementing a three-year plan to restore the company to stability. Among his first moves was to slow the rate of new store expansion. The company then went to work rebuilding its product line, repositioning its stores toward the less seasonally dependent gift market and refurbishing its stores.

The company also replaced its long-running "In Chocolate Heaven Since 1911" advertising campaign. Meanwhile, the success of its café format encouraged the company to continue rolling out coffee shops, reaching 23 shops by the end of 2000, with plans to increase that number to nearly 100 at the turn of the century. By then, the company had succeeded in stabilizing its profits, and was once again returning to sales growth, posting £153.5 million for the year. In 2001, Thorntons began plans to roll out a new line of Thorntons branded dessert products for the U.K.'s supermarket branch, signing on customers including Sainsburys, Safeway, and Asda. By the end of his first year as company CEO, Burdon had successfully turned the company around and continued to point it in new directions. One of these was the roll-out of a new pilot program, that of offering hot drinks and pastries as carry-out items at its stores. The company planned a full-scale roll out of this new concept to all of its stores if the pilot program proved successful.

Despite the company's renewed optimism, it remained frustrated by the continued low course of its share price--which valued the company at just £56 million, compared to a high of nearly £400 million--so much so that by the summer of August 2001 the company acknowledged that it might consider a management buyout to remove it from the public market--and the possibility of a hostile takeover. Principal Competitors: Cadbury Schweppes PLC; Nestlé Holdings (UK) PLC; Mars UK Ltd; Kraft Foods UK Ltd; The Wrigley Company Ltd; Ferrero UK Ltd; Swizzels Matlow Ltd; Leaf (UK) Ltd; Bendicks (Mayfair) Ltd. Chronology Key Dates: 1911: Joseph Thornton, a traveling confectionery salesman, opens a store in Sheffield, and is joined by son Norman in the business. 1913: The Thorntons open a second store including a kitchen where they begin developing their own candy recipes. 1919: Joesph Thornton dies and Norman Thornton takes over the family business of five stores. 1921: Norman Thornton is joined by his younger brother and the company incorporates as JW Thornton Ltd.

1927: The Thornton company opens its first factory in Sheffield. 1928: The company opens three more stores outside of Sheffield. 1935: The number of the company's stores tops 15. 1939: The company expands beyond the Midlands region into the North of England, with 35 stores in 18 cities. 1960s:The company opens its 200th retail store. 1988: Thorntons takes listing on London stock exchange, selling 25 percent of its shares, and changes its name to Thorntons PLC. 1996: Thortons exits French and Belgium markets and begins renewed store expansion in the United Kingdom. 1999: The company launches new in-store coffee shops and cafes. 2001: The company launches new line of Thorntons-branded desserts for supermarket sector and begins testing carry-out hot drinks and pastries. Additional Details Incorporated: 1921 as JW Thornton Ltd.

Employees: 4,539 Sales: £153.5 million ($232.8 million)(2000) Stock Exchanges: London Thorntons plc -- Company History Incorporated: 1921 as JW Thornton Ltd. Employees: 4,539 Sales: £153.5 million ($232.8 million)(2000) Stock Exchanges: London NAIC: 311330 Confectionery Manufacturing from Purchased Chocolate Company Perspectives: Our current strategic intent is to remain the most popular confectionary shop in the High Street and Shopping Centres with a focus on high quality products and excellent customer service. Key Dates: 1911: Joseph Thornton, a traveling confectionery salesman, opens a store in Sheffield, and is joined by son Norman in the business. 1913: The Thorntons open a second store including a kitchen where they begin developing their own candy recipes. 1919: Joesph Thornton dies and Norman Thornton takes over the family business of five stores. 1921: Norman Thornton is joined by his younger brother and the company incorporates as JW Thornton Ltd.

1927: The Thornton company opens its first factory in Sheffield. 1928: The company opens three more stores outside of Sheffield. 1935: The number of the company's stores tops 15. 1939: The company expands beyond the Midlands region into the North of England, with 35 stores in 18 cities. 1960s:The company opens its 200th retail store. 1988: Thorntons takes listing on London stock exchange, selling 25 percent of its shares, and changes its name to Thorntons PLC. 1996: Thortons exits French and Belgium markets and begins renewed store expansion in the United Kingdom. 1999: The company launches new in-store coffee shops and cafes. 2001: The company launches new line of Thorntons-branded desserts for supermarket sector and begins testing carry-out hot drinks and pastries. Company History: Thorntons plc is one of the United Kingdom's leading manufacturer and retailer of chocolate and other confectionery products. Founded in 1911, the company remains more than 30 percent owned by the Thornton family.

Yet the company's day-to-day operations are led by chief executive Peter Burdon, who joined the company in 2000. Thorntons' products, which focus on chocolates, fudge, and toffee but also include other candies, target the high-quality, high-end market. This commitment to quality has gained the company a strong reputation throughout the United Kingdom and made it one of the country's most popular brands. Most of Thorntons' sales come through its network of more than 500 retail shops--some 400 or which are directly owned by Thorntons, while the rest operate as franchises. The company's products are also available through such large-scale department store chains as Marks and Spencers. In 2001, the company also began rolling out a line of products to be sold through the supermarket channel. In addition to its retail shops, Thorntons operates a growing number of Thornton Cafes, which sell coffee and other desserts in addition to the company's chocolates. Many of these cafes are located within existing Thornton stores. The company also began pilot testing selling fresh coffee and other beverages and snacks at its retail stores, a program begun in 2000.

Despite steady sales gains, Thorntons has been struggling with its profitability since the late 1990s. The company's difficulties have seen its share price plunge from a high of nearly 300 pence in 1998 to as low as 85 pence at the turn of the century. This development has in turn sparked suggestions that the company may be a strong takeover candidate. A more likely scenario, given the company's proud history as an independent chocolate manufacturer, may be a management buyout of the company. In the meantime, the Thornton family remain present in the company's direction, with John Thornton, formerly CEO with the company, serving as its chairman. "In Chocolate Heaven Since 1911" Thornton's was established in 1911 when Joseph Thornton, who had been working as a traveling candy and confectionery salesman, opened his own shop in Sheffield. Joining Thornton to help run the store was his eldest son Norman, then only 14 years old. The Thornton shop was a success, and in 1913 the family opened a second store. The new store included a kitchen where the family began making their own candies.

By the time Joseph Thornton became ill in 1917, Norman Thornton had begun establishing a reputation for the Thornton name as a maker of quality sweets, while opening two more stores, plus a store selling fresh fruit, by the end of the decade. The younger Thornton took over the business's operations entirely after his father's death in 1919. Two years later, Thornton was joined by his younger brother, and together they began to expand the business, which was then incorporated as JW Thornton Ltd. The success of the Thorntons' chocolate and other confectionery products soon spread beyond Sheffield, and by the middle of the 1920s the family began to prepare to expand across the Midlands region. In 1927, the company opened its first full-fledged factory in Sheffield. The production from this facility, while still relatively small, enabled the company to supply a growing number of stores. By 1935, the company had opened 15 stores. By the end of that decade, the company's retail network had expanded beyond the Midlands region and into the North of England, reaching a total of 35 stores.

The end of World War II, and the resulting economic boom as England reconstructed throughout the 1950s, proved a profitable time for Thorntons. The Thornton brothers continued to lead the company and were now by the third generation of the Thornton family, including Michael Thornton, who joined in 1957 and remained active in the company's affairs until the end of the century. Thornton's chocolates and other confectionery goods became a favorite of the British sweet tooth. The company underwent a rapid expansion, and by the 1960s operated more than 200 stores, not only across the Midlands and Northern regions, but in Scotland as well. During the mid-1960s, the company added another family member, John Thornton, who was named managing director in 1982, then took on the roles of chief executive and chairman in 1987. The following year, the company went public, listing 25 percent of the company's share--with the rest held by the Thornton family--on the London exchange.

Over the next decade, the Thornton family continued to reduce its shareholding, which decreased to just 30 percent at the end of the 1990s. Meanwhile, expansion of the company's retail network had slowed somewhat, so that by the mid-1990s the company's operations had grown to 260 company-owned stores. At the same time, Thornton's began franchising its shops, which, although representing less than 10 percent of sales, allowed it to expand its retail network by more than 100 stores. Thorntons also began to expand beyond the United Kingdom, entering Belgium and France, where it built up a chain of some 21 stores. Struggling for Profits in the New Century In 1995, John Thornton retired from day-to-day management of the company, hiring Roger Paffard, formerly with the office supply retailer Staples. The company now exited the Belgium and French markets, where it had never successfully imported its retail formula. As a spokesman for the company itself described its inability to penetrate these markets, Thorntons "did not invest enough time and effort to understand the differences between the U.K.

and the French and Belgian markets." In 1996, the company sold off its Belgian subsidiary, Gartners-Pralines, to chocolatier Pauwels, then sold its 21 French stores to a rival retailer in that market, Jeff de Bruges. Instead, Paffard led Thorntons on a new expansion drive in the United Kingdom. In October 1996, the company announced its intention to step up its number of new stores, backed by a £30 million investment program, with the intention of opening 90 new stores by 2000. The following year, the company became still more ambitious, forecasting the opening of its 500th company-owned store by the year 2001. In order to reach this goal, the pace of new store openings went into overdrive. In March 1998, the company announced its intention to open as many as 100 Yet it soon became apparent that Thortons had overextended itself. The company first stumbled in 1999 during the crucial Easter season, when it ran out of stock--sending customers to its competitors.

By May 1999, the company was forced to make its first profit warning, admitting that: "We didn't have the right product range. We changed as little as possible because we were concentrating on improving other parts of the business, be we underestimated just how unforgiving our customers would be." The company's customers continued to withhold their forgiveness through the next year, despite the company's efforts to correct the previous year's mistakes. Thorntons now rolled out a range of novelty products--such as chocolate-scented tee shirts and body lotions. The company also pressed on with its new store openings, especially among its franchise network, hoping to open another 200 stores. Thorntons also began looking for new retail outlets, such as through the Internet, interactive television, and mail-order sales channels. Meanwhile, the rising popularity of coffee shops, such as Starbucks, inspired the company to begin developing its own coffee shops, most of which were to be located within its existing stores. None of these efforts was able to stop the company's profits slide.

Another Easter stock error--which saw the company forced to deep-discount some £1.4 million of unsold Easter eggs--forced the company to make its third profit warning in 18 months. The company's sagging profits continued to sink its share price, sparking fears that the company might offer itself up as a takeover target. At last, John Thornton asked Paffard to resign in March 2000. Watching the company's troubles was Peter Burdon, a former McKinsey consultant then working for the Boots retail chain. Burdon told the Daily Telegraph: "For the past 10 years it has been my ambition to run a medium-sized food company. When I read about (Paffard's) departure I immediately thought 'this is my job.' I wrote to John Thornton saying these are the issues your firm is facing, this is me, and suggesting we got together for a chat." Burdon was hired two months later. Burdon immediately began implementing a three-year plan to restore the company to stability. Among his first moves was to slow the rate of new store expansion. The company then went to work rebuilding its product line, repositioning its stores toward the less seasonally dependent gift market and refurbishing its stores.

The company also replaced its long-running "In Chocolate Heaven Since 1911" advertising campaign. Meanwhile, the success of its café format encouraged the company to continue rolling out coffee shops, reaching 23 shops by the end of 2000, with plans to increase that number to nearly 100 at the turn of the century. By then, the company had succeeded in stabilizing its profits, and was once again returning to sales growth, posting £153.5 million for the year. In 2001, Thorntons began plans to roll out a new line of Thorntons branded dessert products for the U.K.'s supermarket branch, signing on customers including Sainsburys, Safeway, and Asda. By the end of his first year as company CEO, Burdon had successfully turned the company around and continued to point it in new directions. One of these was the roll-out of a new pilot program, that of offering hot drinks and pastries as carry-out items at its stores. The company planned a full-scale roll out of this new concept to all of its stores if the pilot program proved successful.

Despite the company's renewed optimism, it remained frustrated by the continued low course of its share price--which valued the company at just £56 million, compared to a high of nearly £400 million--so much so that by the summer of August 2001 the company acknowledged that it might consider a management buyout to remove it from the public market--and the possibility of a hostile takeover. Principal Competitors: Cadbury Schweppes PLC; Nestlé Holdings (UK) PLC; Mars UK Ltd; Kraft Foods UK Ltd; The Wrigley Company Ltd; Ferrero UK Ltd; Swizzels Matlow Ltd; Leaf (UK) Ltd; Bendicks (Mayfair) Ltd. Further Reading: Finch, Julia, "Thorntons' New Recipe," Guardian, March 7, 2001. ------, "Family Ousts Sweet Empire Chief," Guardian, March 1, 2000. ------, "Thorntons Profits Crack In," Guardian, May 6, 1999. Lee, John, "Chocs Away with Company High Flyer," Financial Times, May 12, 2001.

Jenkins, Patrick, "Thorntons Eyes Expansion in Hot Drinks and Pastries," Financial Times, September 19, 2001. Simon, Emma, "Hard Nut with a Sugar Coating Thorntons," Daily Telegraph, April 23, 2000. Smith, Alison, "Thorntons Aims to Get Up Close and Personal," Financial Times, March 7, 2001. ------, "Thorntons' Chief Hopes to Taste Seasonal Success," Financial Times, December 14, 2000. Treanor, Jill, "Thorntons Profit Meltdown Continues," Guardian, June 3, 2000. Source: International Directory of Company Histories, Vol. 46. St. James Press, 2002. Thorntons (Shop) - Reviews Reviews How fast is this web... Layout & Design ProDelicious Chocolates, Toffees, and Fudge / Loads o... ConsExpensive I'll never forget the old advert for Thorntons "Chocolate Heaven since 1911", and it is Chocolate heaven.

I have to say all my Favourite Chocolates come from Thorntons they are delicious. Everyone loves Thorntons, well at least everyone I know does. So why have I decided to write about such a... How fast is this website? Content Update ProExcellent Range Of Sweets, Clearly Labelled ConsQuite Expensive My home city of Sheffield may have once been famous for its steel but it is also the home of one of my favourite shops, namely Thornton's. If you have never been to Thorntons or if you don't even know who they are then firstly I will say, Where have you been? and secondly I hope this review this... How fast is this website? Content Update ProGreat products, stylish decoration, clean store. ConsRude and miserable looking staff. Being an infamous chocoholic, the local chocolate shops are usually my first port of call during any shopping venture. There is an obvious chocolate theme around the entire shop; as all of the decorations were colored in different shades of brown. The displays were attractive, and overall the... How fast is this website? Content Update ProBig variety ConsCan be understaffed I went to Thornton's today and it was rather a mixed bag - although mainly good.

I've also visited a lot of shops round the Manchester and Leicester area (well you can't exactly walk by one without going in can you?). So my review is mainly focused on my experience today and how it compares to... How fast is this website? Content Update ProGood quality chocolate, great services ConsPricey Thornton's was first established in 1911, by a man called Joseph Thornton (hence the store name) and so far there are around 400 branches across the UK. It has deemed very successful so far and I can completely see why. I absolutely love this store; it offers a variety of different chocolate... How fast is this website? Content Update ProLuxury chocolate with superb fillings Consnone,but they are a little bit costly `Like a kid let loose in a sweet shop` is an apt decription of me visiting Thornton`s.A trip to the Master Chocolatiers is an emotional experience for any chocoholic!The exquisite range of creativity is almost to much to take in.Our nearest Thornton`s shop is in a designer shopping outlet and has... How fast is this website? Content Update ProYumm!!!!! ConsI can't leave the shop without buying something!

As Valentines day is nearing, I decided to add the finishing touches to my boyfriend's pressie. So I went into Thorntons to buy a couple of cheap little sweets. When you walk past Kirkcaldys Thorntons, (ironically situated right next to a health shop!) you can't help but be enticed by the milk... How fast is this website? Content Update ProGreat range of choccies, very tasty ConsA bit too expensive There’s a problem shopping at Thornton’s, but it is one I don’t think they will want to do anything about. The problem is you always tend to spend far too much money, so I don’t think they’ll be addressing this problem any time soon, unless they want to go out of business of course! If you go...

Question: Which company advertises on it's shopping bags Chocolate Heaven since 1911
Answer: Thornton's